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Coping with a Vyvanse crash

Vyvanse is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or binge eating disorder. It is a stimulant, which helps a person to concentrate.

Because Vyvanse is a stimulant, a person may feel depressed or fatigued when it begins to wear off. This is known as a Vyvanse crash.

A person who takes Vyvanse in the morning may experience a midday crash as the drug begins to leave their system. The crash may make a person's symptoms challenging to manage.

In this article, we look at the symptoms of Vyvanse crash and tips on how to cope with or avoid the comedown.

What is a Vyvanse crash?

A Vyvanse crash can cause a person to feel irritable and fatigued.

The active ingredient in Vyvanse is an amphetamine called lisdexamfetamine dimesylate that stimulates the central nervous system. Vyvanse affects the dopamine and norepinephrine systems in the brain in the same way as Adderall, which is another ADHD medication.

A few hours after a person stops taking Vyvanse, it starts to leave their system, which leads to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Because Vyvanse is a stimulant, when the drug leaves the body, some people may feel effects that are opposite to stimulation, such as fatigue and irritability.

Because the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sometimes resolve as a person ages, a doctor may recommend that a person takes a 'Vyvanse holiday' to see the extent of their ADHD symptoms without the drug. This withdrawal can also result in a Vyvanse crash.

Symptoms of a Vyvanse crash

In addition to improving concentration, other effects of taking Vyvanse include faster breathing, a more rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and higher blood sugar levels.

When a person stops taking Vyvanse suddenly, they may experience the following symptoms:

A person can experience sleep problems for a few days after a Vyvanse crash. They may feel exhausted but have trouble getting restful sleep.

Timeline of Vyvanse withdrawal

Not all people experience a Vyvanse crash or any symptoms at all when they stop using it. As a general rule, the longer a person has used Vyvanse, or the more they have taken, the more significant their withdrawal symptoms are likely to be.

Some of the expected early symptoms associated with Vyvanse withdrawal include:

aches and pains

fatigue

feelings of depression

increased appetite

increased sleep needs

mood swings that range from anxiety to irritability to anger

paranoia or strange thoughts

strong urges to return to taking Vyvanse

Most symptoms will subside after about 7 days. However, a person may still experience lingering symptoms known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms. These include:

How to cope with the crash

Avoiding other stimulants, eating healthfully, and getting a good night's sleep can reduce the effects of a Vyvanse crash.

When a person knows they are going to be stopping or reducing their use of Vyvanse, they can plan to reduce the symptoms of their comedown.

Some steps they can take include:

Avoid other stimulants. Refrain from using other stimulants, such as cigarettes or caffeinated drinks. These can interfere with the quality of sleep, making a person feel even more tired.

Eat well. Staying hydrated and getting a good range of vitamins and nutrients can have a powerful effect on a person's overall mood.

Get a good night's sleep. Make a plan for bedtime and create a good sleeping environment. A person may also wish to place a few drops of aromatherapy oils on their pillow, such as lavender or jasmine.

Schedule some downtime. Avoid planning too many activities or stressful situations when a crash is possible. This can help to reduce anxiety or stress.

Stress relief. Find some effective stress-relieving or sleep-promoting activities. These may include deep breathing, meditation, or listening to soft music.

Avoid depressants. Avoid using drugs that depress the nervous system, such as alcohol. These substances may further disturb a person's sleep and extend the comedown.

Treatment

If a person is considering stopping taking Vyvanse, they should work out a plan with their doctor. Their doctor will recommend a gradual method for reducing and eventually eliminating Vyvanse. This technique allows the drug to leave a person's system slowly, reducing the side effects of withdrawal.

There is currently no approved medication to treat a Vyvanse crash. However, if a person is struggling to cope with severe withdrawal symptoms, they can talk to their doctor.

A doctor may be able to prescribe temporary medications to promote sleep or reduce feelings of depression. These could include benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium.

If a person experiences depression as a result of Vyvanse withdrawal, they may benefit from interpersonal therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or talking therapies. These techniques can help a person overcome cravings caused by a Vyvanse crash and prevent Vyvanse relapse.

Risks

A Vyvanse overdose can cause severely high blood pressure and an increased or irregular heartbeat.

When a person is reducing their intake of Vyvanse, It is essential that they stick to the dosage the doctor has described, even if they experience symptoms of withdrawal.

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